Using stage directions in theatre as inspiration for writing dialogue
For an aspiring writer, there's a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to be found in the world of theatre. Playwrights have long mastered crafting dialogue that captivates audiences while giving actors clear direction on how to deliver their lines. Let's explore how you can use stage directions in theatre as inspiration for writing dialogue in your own work.
Drawing from the drama
Stage directions, the instructions in the script that guide actors' movements and behaviour, are a valuable resource for creating meaningful dialogue in your story. Here's how:
- Conveying character through action: Stage directions often include actions that reveal aspects of a character's personality or emotional state. For instance, in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire, the stage direction reads, "[STANLEY] He sizes women up at a glance, with sexual classifications, crude images flashing into his mind and determining the way he looks at them." Adapting this technique, you might write: "'Where's the report?' asked John, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table." The action not only breaks up the dialogue but gives insight into John's current state of mind.
- Setting the mood: The manner in which lines are delivered can dramatically affect the mood of a scene. Stage directions often indicate how a line should be spoken – quietly, angrily, joyously, etc. In your own writing, use similar cues to set the mood and tone of a dialogue exchange. Consider Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman where the direction states, "[WILLY, with great force] Loman, he knows the territory." Translating this into prose, you could write: "'You can't do this,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with barely contained rage.
- Providing rhythm and pacing: In a script, stage directions often provide a pause in the dialogue, which can create tension, allow for a comedic beat, or give the audience time to absorb information. Use this technique to control the pace of your dialogue and to create dramatic or comedic moments. For instance, Harold Pinter was renowned for his use of the 'Pinter Pause.' In your own writing, incorporate this technique to control the dialogue's pace. "'I can't believe it,' she said, staring out the window for a moment before turning back to him. 'You're leaving?'"
- Enhancing realism: Stage directions often capture realistic, minute details of human behaviour, such as a sigh, a nervous twitch, or a distracting fidget. Incorporating these subtle touches into your dialogue can make your characters feel more real and relatable. In Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, we see, "[LOPAKHIN] He puts his head on the table, covers it with his hands and speaks, his voice muffled." In your story, you might write: "'I don't know,' he said, avoiding her gaze and tracing the rim of his coffee cup with a shaking finger."
A note of caution
While stage directions can inspire your dialogue writing, remember that plays and prose are different mediums. In a novel or short story, you have the luxury of being able to delve into a character's internal thoughts and feelings – something a script cannot do.
However, balancing interior monologue with dialogue inspired by stage directions can make your story richly textured and your characters feel multi-dimensional. So, don't be afraid to tread the boards of the theatre world in your quest to write compelling dialogue.
